“Four Sisters and a Wedding” Manila premiere scores a tour de force

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - July 4, 2013 - PRLog -- As soon as the lead stars of Star Cinema’s anniversary offering “Four Sisters and a Wedding” walked down the red carpet at premiere night on June 25, deafening screams filled the local movie theater.  Toni Gonzaga, Bea Alonzo, Angel Locsin, Shaina Magdayao, male lead Enchong Dee, including Director Cathy Molina were met with adulation from fans upon their arrival but were received with more approval from critics as soon as the scenes unfolded on screen.  The stellar attendance and warm reception were foretelling of the opus that was to unfold then and what viewers worldwide will soon enjoy via TFC at the movies.  


After working on a film for the first time and after weeks of bonding at shoots, Gonzaga, Alonzo, Locsin and Magdayao plus Dee reunited on premiere night at the SM Megamall Cinema 9 (Pasig City, Philippines) and wowed both fans and critics initially with their mere presence and eventually, with their individual performances.  Dressed to the nines in elegant black long gowns, the stellar cast glowed on the red carpet and on stage, not outshining each other, but instead complementing each other like true sisters which they portray in the movie.


According to Locsin who plays the middle child, "Sobrang saya sa set namin. Ang gaan ng pakiramdam. Walang pa-star, walang pa-diva, walang nag-iinarte. Lahat kami parang same 'yung passion sa ginagawa namin at pati sa humor, same rin." (We were very happy at the set.  It was a joy working with them and nobody played diva.  All of us knew how to work and play hard).


Introduced according to their movie age, each actress thanked the equally star-studded line-up of guests and the hordes of fans that supported the premiere.  Gonzaga, clad in an elegant, bustier gown by John Herrera did not only earn raves for her ensemble but especially for her punch lines.  She expressed how the movie is really a fruit of their labor and asked fans to support the movie.  “Sana’y tangkilikin niyo ang pelikulang pinaghirapan naming lahat,” Gonzaga said.  (We hope you will support this movie which we all worked hard for).


Playing the second child is Alonzo who worked the red carpet with her fitting black gown by Boom Sasson which showed the actress’ hard-earned curves.  
Very much like her in real life, Alonzo plays overseas Filipino (OF) Bobbie who does everything to make her family work.  In the same manner, she said “Sana ay ma-enjoy niyo ang movie na ito dahil ito ay para sa inyong family bonding.”  (I hope you will enjoy this movie which is actually for your families).  Alonzo’s performance was one of the most applauded on premiere night.  


Locsin, sashayed in a haltered gown (also by Herrera), consistent with her character in the movie as the adventurous Alex.  Locsin earned the admiration of the male fans but did not forget to acknowledge her co-stars’ own set of admirers.  Locsin said, “Maraming marami pong salamat sa fans ni Toni, Bea, Shaina at Enchong sa pagsama sa importanteng parte ng buhay namin.”  (Thank you to our fans for joining us in this important night).  


Last amongst the female stars to walk down the red carpet was Magdayao who may have played the movie family’s old maid Gabbie, but wowed premiere attendees with her revealing black number by Charina Sarte.  Magdayao’s fans showed all out support and the actress acknowledged this.  “Sa lahat po ng lahat ng nagmamahal sa amin, maraming salamat at sana ay magustuhan niyo ang movie namin.”  (Thank you to everyone who is here with us tonight.  We hope you like the film).


Playing the only male child is versatile young star Dee who held his own also in a crisp, black suit.  Looking dapper in a creation by M. Barretto, Dee was greeted by zealous female fans.  “Alam namin na lahat ng nandito ngayon ay uulit at manunuod bukas,” Dee said. (We know that all those who watched today will watch the movie again tomorrow).


True to Dee’s fearless forecast, fans have been trooping to movie theaters to watch the much raved about film.  Four days after the premiere, the movie has already scored Php 60 million at the Philippine box office.  The movie has also earned rave reviews not just at the premiere but also at social networking sites.


The movie, directed by blockbuster director Molina, revolves around the story of the coming together of four sisters to prevent their brother’s marrying his girlfriend of three months.  According to Molina, director of some of Star Cinema’s greatest hits, "This movie is also very special because its story is something that touches my core, on something I never had. Maybe I want this movie because I don’t have this story in my life."  The director who is also behind some award-winning films, shared that while she was part of a big family, she grew up alone.”


Like Molina, Filipinos overseas can relate to some of the characters as they too sacrifice their personal happiness for their family.  During the premiere, Molina said “This movie is very, yery Pinoy OF, na nasa ibang bansa natin.  Alam mo kung anong sinasakripisyo nilang happiness kapalit ang happiness ng family.”    (This movie is very much for OFs who go through a lot, including sacrificing their personal needs and happiness for the sake of family).


Joining the stellar cast at premiere night are ABS-CBN executives including Tootsy Angara, head of Platform Sales, Integrated Sports; August Benitez, head Integrated Sales; Paolo Pineda, head Business Development, and Nandy Villar head Customer Relations Management / Marketing for ABS-CBN Convergence; some of the actresses’ real-life partners actor Zanjoe Marudo, athlete Phil Younghusband and director Paul Soriano; co-stars Janus del Prado, Carmi Martin, Buboy Garovillo, Sam Milby, Bernard Palanca and Connie Reyes; celebrity friends and relatives Melay Cantiveros, director Olive Lamasan, Vina Morales and Angeline Quinto; and Melay Cantiveros; and host Mosang.


Starting this week, OFs can finally witness the touching tale of four sisters who try to face the issue of their brother’s wedding but instead face their own, whether against each other or with their remaining parent.  Four Sisters and A Wedding will have its theatrical run starting July 5 in the U.S. and Canada and July 18 in the Middle East. For more details, visit: call 1-800-227-9676 (U.S.) or visit www.abs-cbnglobalmovies.com